Supporting digital agriculture companies with access to funding and mentorship
A Cleantech Commons Strategic Partner, Bioenterprise Canada, has launched an open call for applications for the southern Ontario SmartGrowth Program, which targets innovative solutions in digital agriculture. This is the third round of this program.
The Cleantech Commons partnership with Bioenterprise has boosted a key service offering to the cleantech innovation community by providing much-needed accelerator services to clients and future tenants of our research park. It has also enabled our two organizations to join forces in advancing clean technology innovations. Read more about this important partnership here!
See also “Accelerator services to be part of new research park at Trent University in Peterborough“.
The SmartGrowth Program offers eligible enterprises, headquartered in southern Ontario:
- Up to $100,000 in project-based, matching funding to support scale-up & expansion projects,
- Coaching and mentorship support services, and
- a one-year complimentary membership to Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, which provides members with commercialization support services and access to a global network.
Eligible projects should focus on digital agriculture and related sectors, with eligible activities including, but not limited to, job creation and talent acquisition, product demonstration, and the adoption of unique technologies to improve productivity and sustainability.
Companies utilizing digital technologies such as blockchain, cloud-based solutions, sensor & imaging technologies for food processing, precision agriculture & data analytics are welcome to apply.
A full list of program objectives and eligibility criteria can be found in the SmartGrowth Program Guide.
“Digital agriculture is increasingly prevalent in the value chain, not only for its innovative new technology but the sustainability and accessibility benefits that come from digitization,” Dave Smardon, CEO of Bioenterprise Canada tells us.
“From increased efficiency to universal application of data collection, these technologies are showing what a collaborative and capable ag sector can achieve when adapting to advances in parallel sectors.”
This funding round, focusing on digital agriculture, is an opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs in the region, and for agriculture to keep pace with advancing global technology.
Eligible companies must meet various thresholds on annual revenues, expansion potential, technological adoption impact, and potential economic benefits.
Each participant in the SmartGrowth Program will receive customized business support services, full access to Bioenterprise Canada’s substantial network of services and mentors, and targeted support for underrepresented groups including youth, women, and Indigenous peoples.
Applications will be accepted until Friday, January 14, 2022, at 12 pm EST.
Questions can be directed to submissions@bioenterprise.ca.